London Walks: Hyde Park Journal

The Hyde park walk has now officially taken over as my favorite walk, simply because of all of its beauty and magic. There is something about it that is very magical and unreal. Every time, it has me begging for more! We left immediately after class ended and made a pit stop at the boat house and rented row boats which was such a fun thing. But, now for the lovely sights of the walk.

Starting out at the Marble Arch. I found it interesting that it looks very similar to the Arch de Triomphe in France and I then came to realize that it was some sort of mimmic of France, and then it all made sense. Right near there we saw the location of the Tyburn Tree Gallows. As Brooke read aloud to us the information on this place I got the chills and was creeped out by the horrible deaths that took place there. I am grateful for the systems and laws we have today that do not allow for public and violent murder! 

We walked next to the Statue of Achilles and admired his sword and shield, as well as his impeccable muscular structure. I took my time examining the large sculpture and remembered my favorite Disney movie Hercules that has an Achilles reference. 

Something that I have noticed here in London is that the Duke of Wellington is loved and admired like a God. With in just a little while we saw a few sculptures made for him. Wellington is treated like The Savior of Britain and I do not blame the people of Britain for admiring him in that way. 

One of the prettier sculptures I have found here in London is the Statue of Diana the Huntress. It is the perfect combination of a tough, yet feminine woman. This is the type of woman I would like to be so this was a great photo moment for me. The light detail that was on her face showed poise and grace. This statue was impressive from every angle and the surrounding gardens were gorgeous as well. 

The next part of this walk through Hyde park that I adored was the Holocaust Memorial Garden. I have always been very interested in the events of the Holocaust and loved reading and learning about Anne Frank when I was younger. It made me happy to see such a beautiful place dedicated to those who died unjustly from the horrible conditions in concentration camps and elsewhere in Europe during Hitler's reign. 

Before I left the center this morning to start the walk I looked up pictures on the internet of the famous Crystal Palace. I wish so badly that it was still standing today, but due to fire the palace is no longer there. I was able to imagine it, like Professor Bassett recommended and it was another great experience trying to place myself in the time period that corresponds with the Crystal Palace.

This walk allowed me to appreciate where I am so much more than I originally did upon arriving here in London. I feel that we as BYU students are in the perfect location and being so close to Hyde park and all of its amenities is an added bonus. I plan to visit Hyde Park a hundred more times before my time is up here in London and I am glad I was able to gain information from this walk about the various activities and sites that fill the park and give it life.

The Marble Arch

walking through Hyde Park

trying to be the art behind us..

Wellington Arch, Accidentally cut off the top!

Boating in Hyde Park

Boating in Hyde Park

In front of Marble Arch

Bench break in Hyde Park

Boating in Hyde Park